Sullivan's four points not enough for Predators at Minnesota

Created 12/02/2009 - 10:45pm

Staff reports

Steve Sullivan had a goal and three assists, but the Nashville Predators lost the lead twice, the second time in the third period, and eventually fell in overtime 5-4[1] to the Wild in Minnesota on Wednesday.

Andrew Ebbett scored the game-winner for Minnesota 1:26 into the extra period. The Wild outshot the Predators 3-0 in overtime after Nashville had a 35-24 advantage through three periods.

On the heels of Monday’s 5-0 loss[2] to Calgary, the Predators have now lost two in a row for the first time since a six-game losing streak Oct. 10-21.

Sullivan had just four points (no goals, four assists) in his previous seven contests, but got on the board with an assist on Marcel Goc’s goal at 7:20 of the first period. It was Goc’s third of the year and gave the Predators a 1-0 lead.

Sullivan, whose career-high is five points, also had assists on two goals by Jason Arnott, the second of which put Nashville in front 3-2 at 3:42 of the third period. Sullivan’s goal, at 8:27 of the second, tied it 3-3.

Mikko Koivu scored the final goal of regulation with 6:58 to play and just 10 seconds into a power play. Two former Predators, Andrew Brunette and Marek Zidlicky, had the assists.

Koivu also was called for hooking with 2:20 to play in regulation, but Nashville failed to capitalize. The Predators were 0-for-2 on the power play.

Pekka Rinne played goal for Nashville and to 11-6-1 on the season in a matchup of two of Finland’s top goalies. Niklas Backstrom made 31 saves for the Wild and improved to 10-9-3.

The Predators have a chance to try to end their losing streak Friday when they play at Chicago 7:30 p.m., Fox Sports-Tennessee).